Israel and Somaliland Sign Strategic Partnership on Water Development

Defense Minister Israel Katz met today (Wednesday) with Somaliland President Abdirahman Abdullahi and with senior officials in the visiting government. Before the visit, Katz said: "For many years, we cooperated under the radar on a series of operations that will remain confidential. Now we are determined to bring our security cooperation to new heights."

In addition, Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen said that he met yesterday with the president of Somaliland, and the two agreed to strengthen and deepen cooperation between the two countries, with an emphasis on advancing innovative technologies for water purification and desalination. The understanding was reached במסגרת his state visit to Israel, and during a professional tour held yesterday at the "Geulat HaYarkon" facility of the national water company "Mekorot."

Cohen said that "Israel is a global leader in technology and innovation, and a relationship with Israel is a blessing for any country. In my meeting with the president of Somaliland and the energy minister, we agreed to advance cooperation between the countries in the fields of energy and water. My policy is to use Israel’s energy sector to strengthen our international standing."

During the tour of the facility, the Somaliland delegation was shown advanced technologies that could help the country develop its local water sector in a range of areas, including water desalination and water recycling for agriculture.

Mekorot Chairman Moshe Shimoni reminded those present that today about 85% of Israel’s water is recycled for agricultural use, and he invited Somaliland’s ministers to continue deepening their professional learning with Israeli experts.